Daily Archive : Friday April 12, 2013

News

Clean up in Mundelein
Daily Herald reportMundelein officials will hold a spring cleanup April 30 through May 3 and May 7-10.

Oil changes to benefit cancer research
Daily Herald reportDJ's Auto Service Center at 495 E. Estes Ave. in Schaumburg will hold its eighth annual "Oil Change for Change" benefit from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20 in honor of Carole Origer, the late mother of owner Dan Origer. As always, 100 percent of the day's proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Republicans keep Brady as party chair at Tinley Park meeting By Jake Griffin
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady survived another call for his job Saturday at a state central committee meeting Saturday in Tinley Park. About 75 people attended the meeting to call for Brady's ouster over his support for gay marriage. They erupted in anger when they learned Brady would keep his job.

Plass Appliance closing 5 suburban stores
Daily Herald reportAfter 75 years in the appliance business, Plass Appliance is closing for good in the Chicago suburbs. An announcement on the company's website Friday indicated the company would be shutting down its five remaining stores in Addison, Elmhurst, Geneva, Naperville and Northbrook.

Moving Picture: Hockey team captain holds her own By Steve Lundy
Fourth-grader Madison Zack is the captain of her team. And that's not surprising given her outgoing personality and her natural talent. But what is surprising is that she's the only girl on the Ice Dogs hockey team. "Right from the beginning you could tell that she one of those kids that was a hockey player. The part that was interesting was she's obviously a girl. It was never really much of a...

Police: False threat about gunman caused lockdowns
By Marie WilsonA false threat of a man with a gun headed to Glenbard North High School led to three schools in Carol Stream and Glendale Heights being placed on soft lockdown Friday morning, authorities said. Carol Stream police received an anonymous call about 7:15 a.m. saying a man with a firearm was en route to Glenbard North at 990 Kuhn Road. The threat was determined to be false, but the high school, as...

New pools, office renovations part of D211’s long-term capital improvements plan By Jessica Cilella
A presentation made during the Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 board of education meeting Thursday laid out five capital construction projects the district hopes to get done over the next several years. Associate Superintendent for Business David Torres said the district would like to have the projects — which will likely amount to more than $34.6 million — completed...

Tony Blair inspires during Judson University visit
By Tara García Mathewson"Inspiring" was the overwhelming description from those who saw former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speak Friday at Judson University. Blair was the keynote speaker of the Elgin university's third annual World Leaders Forum. "When we host things like this it makes us feel like we're part of something greater," sophomore Shalina Wozny said.

Man charged with attempted kidnapping of Fenton student
By Christopher PlacekA 16-year-old female walking to school Friday morning in Bensenville was threatened by a man with a knife who may have been trying to kidnap her, authorities said. The student was walking to Fenton High School when she was approached at the corner of Green Street and Logan Way just before 7:30 a.m., according to Bensenville police.

Package sent to Arizona sheriff could have killed him
Associated PressArizona authorities say a package addressed to Sheriff Joe Arpaio discovered in a northern Arizona mailbox would have exploded if opened, leading to serious injuries or death.Maricopa County Chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan made the comment Friday at a news conference in Phoenix. He said investigators are trying to locate one person who may have been involved in mailing the package addressed to his...

Plan: Teachers who don’t report hazing would be charged By Mike Riopell
State Government Writer
Teachers and administrators who don't report hazing like what happened at Maine West and Hoffman Estates high schools could themselves face criminal hazing charges under a plan approved by the Illinois House Friday. "They're going to be held just as responsible as the hazer," said state Rep. Marty Moylan, a Des Plaines Democrat.

Michigan man found guilty of punching Elgin boy
By Christopher PlacekA Michigan man was convicted Friday of punching his ex-girlfriend's 5-year-old child in the groin in 2011, prosecutors said. Sedrick A. Ballard, 26, of Kalamazoo, Mich. was living with his then-girlfriend and her son in Elgin in November 2011 when authorities say he punched the boy three times in the genital area, causing bruising, severe swelling and a laceration.

Batavia man guilty of sex abuse child
By Christopher PlacekA Batavia man was convicted Friday of having sexual contact with a 5-year-old girl he knew, prosecutors said. Juan Olmedo Torres, 26, of the 1000 block of Lorlyn Circle, was convicted of one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse by Kane County Circuit Court Judge John Barsanti. Torres waived his right to a jury trial.

New regime at Carol Stream Library, but old challenges remain
By Christopher PlacekWith a new board majority set to be sworn into office, more changes could be on the horizon at the Carol Stream Public Library. But this time, it's likely the new board will just be changing back some of what the current board put in place since taking power nine months ago.

CEO’s future still up in the air after Metra session
By Marni PykeFiling out of a closed-door meeting without comment, Metra board directors were silent Friday about the future of CEO Alex Clifford's contract. Metra Director Mike McCoy, former Kane County Board Chairman, said afterward that the board had been on a path to re-evaluate Clifford with a good likelihood of renewing his contract when the process derailed. The disconnect came during individual...

Cheers! Havana’s original Sloppy Joe’s Bar reopens
Associated PressThe bar was shuttered in 1965 as Fidel Castro's Communist government nationalized nearly all private enterprise, and it was subsequently abandoned to decay over the decades until the City Historian's Office, a government agency, began looking at restoring the building in 2007.Historians, architects and designers carefully pored over photographs from long ago and interviewed old-timers to recreate...

Egypt leader, military chief put tension aside
Associated PressThe findings could put President Mohammed Morsi in a sensitive position. After vowing to win justice for slain protesters in his election campaign, he commissioned the report soon after his inauguration in June, forming a fact-finding panel to investigate the deaths of more than 1,000 killed in the uprising and during the nearly 17-month rule by the military that followed Mubarak's fall. But now...

Walsh calls for ignoring concealed carry ban
By Kerry LesterFormer Congressman Joe Walsh says it's time for Illinois residents to "stop being victims" and is urging them to ignore the current ban on carrying concealed weapons, even though being caught carrying a concealed weapon is a felony in Illinois. "I think that if those two thugs knew that that owner of that shop was armed and protected, they would have thought twice about busting up in there," he...

Judge to rule Monday on inmate’s motion to vacate plea
By Barbara VitelloCook County Judge Kay Hanlon said she will rule on Monday on a motion lawyers for Victor Alvarado, 28, of Elk Grove Village, made to vacate his June 2012 guilty plea on charges of the manufacture and delivery of cocaine. Attorney Victor Ciardelli cited in his motion what he called perjured testimony from former Schaumburg undercover officer Matthew Hudak, who himself faces criminal drug...

Fox River and Chain-area residents watching, waitingBy Lee Filas
Officials in Fox Lake and other areas on the Chain O' Lakes are watching water levels and scanning weather reports, bracing for the start of spring flooding in the area. However, a new forecast indicates less rain in coming days, easing flooding concerns. "Right now, it looks like we may just skirt by," said C. Kent McKenzie, Lake County Emergency Management coordinator.

Naperville Park District to rename driving range
By Justin KmitchThe former Naperville Park District executive director responsible for the creation of Naperbrook Golf Course will have the course's driving range named after him. District officials will honor Glen Ekey during a brief ceremony to dedicate the Glen Ekey Driving Range at 11 a.m. May 18 at HYPERLINK "http://www.golfnaperville.org/"Naperbrook Golf Course. And Ekey will be there, driver in hand. "I...

Teens charged after gun sale at Elgin school
By Elena FerrarinTwo 15-year-olds face felony weapons charges after police say one sold an unloaded shotgun to the other at an Elgin alternative high school. A Streamwood teen was charged with having the gun in his locker. A second teen was charged with selling the gun on the grounds of Gifford Street High School.

Ralph Frese memorial canoe trip is Sunday
Submitted by the Cook County Forest Preserver DistrictA canoe trip to honor the legacy of Ralph Frese will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday on the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Palatine Twp. won’t add road district study item to agenda
By Kimberly PohlPalatine Township's agenda for the annual town meeting won't include the item petitioned for by 30 residents last month. The group requested that the board consider studying the benefits of eliminating the township's road district, citing exorbitant costs for fewer than 20 miles of unincorporated road. "Our attorney's opinion is that electors don't have the right to put this item on the agenda...

Spotlight on deportation as Kane County moves to renew jail contract
By James FullerThe Kane County sheriff's office wants to renew a contract with a company that gets paid to identify jail inmates who entered the county illegally. The company then applies for federal grant money available for local jails that incur costs for housing those inmates and splits it with the county. Some county board members are questioning the possible arrest motives inspired when locking up certain...

Kerry to North Korea: Don’t test missile
Associated PressU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivered a stark warning to North Korea on Friday not to test-fire a mid-range missile, while rejecting a new U.S. intelligence report suggesting significant progress in the communist regime's nuclear weapons program. "If Kim Jong Un decides to launch a missile, whether it's across the Sea of Japan or some other direction, he will be choosing willfully to...

Details emerge in Afghan attack that killed diplomat
Associated PressNew details emerged Friday about last week's terrorist bombing in Afghanistan that killed a young U.S. diplomat and four other Americans who were delivering textbooks to a school in the country's south.A senior State Department familiar with the investigation into the attack told The Associated Press the group was walking, not driving, from a military base to the nearby school in Zabul Province...

Northwest suburban police blotter
By Freida GadThieves stole a blue Chevrolet S10 pickup truck parked at a home on the 700 block of Acorn Court in Bartlett around 9:15 a.m. April 7.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ performance:
Daily Herald reportWauconda Middle School students will perform Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 27 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Register for Loop the Lakes:
Daily Herald reportThe 12th Annual Loop the Lakes 5K Run/Walk will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27 beginning at the Century Park boat dock shelter on Lakeview Parkway north of Route 60 in Vernon Hills.

Help Fremont Public Library:
Daily Herald reportThe Fremont Library Foundation will host a "Give-A-Gift" fundraiser on Friday, April 19. It will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein.

Sales to benefit starving kids:
Daily Herald reportCulver's is hosting "Donate While You Dine" to benefit Feed My Starving Children from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the restaurant, 803 E. Park Ave., Libertyville.

Oberweis still pushing for Brady’s removal
By Kerry LesterState Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove isn't backing down from efforts to oust beleaguered Illinois GOP Pat Brady of St. Charles, who supports gay marriage, at Saturday's state central committee meeting in Tinley Park. Oberweis said he believes the state central committee will soon begin interviewing potential candidates to replace Brady.

Cermak wants video gambling in Island Lake, but board not ready to vote
By Russell LissauIsland Lake Trustee Chuck Cermak again is lobbying his peers on the board to allow video gambling in town. Cermak broached the often-controversial subject during Thursday night's board meeting, saying he's been asked by customers at his barber shop and other residents if officials plan to allow the machines in the village.

Lombard park, school districts discussing tennis court upkeep
By Marie WilsonParents are pushing for repairs to two tennis courts near Pleasant Lane school in Lombard Elementary District 44 that they say are no longer safe, leading the school district and the Lombard Park District to begin discussing a possible partnership to fix the cracking courts. "Neighbors are talking about the grass growing on the courts," Pleasant Lane parent Cathy McNulty said. "I don't ever...

St. Francis community rallies again behind injured student
By Katlyn SmithEvery week, a group of St. Francis High School students delivers a home-cooked meal to the Novak family in West Chicago. It's a simple gesture, perhaps, but a testament of the Wheaton school's ongoing support of Alex Novak, 15, who suffered severe brain injuries in an accident just a week before he was slated to start in the freshman football team's season opener. During the holidays, students...

St. Charles has ‘had enough’ of decades-old home project
By Harry HitzemanSt. Charles officials plan to ask a judge for permission to demolish a home its owner has been working on since 1975. "We've had enough. The city has given him every opportunity to do the project his way on his own," said Phil Luetkehans, attorney for the city.

McDonald’s gives former and new CEOs pay bumps
Associated PressMcDonald's Corp. more than tripled the pay packages last year for its new CEO Don Thompson and the man he replaced, Jim Skinner.The pay increases came at a challenging time for the world's biggest hamburger chain. McDonald's is facing intensifying competition, a trend toward healthier eating and weak economic conditions in many countries where it operates.

Obama budget hikes Medicare for upper-income seniors Associated PressPresident Obama's new budget calls for raising $50 billion over 10 years by increasing monthly "income-related" premiums for outpatient and prescription drug coverage. The comparable number last year was $28 billion over the decade.

Duckworth to visit Elgin library on Saturday
By Elena FerrarinU.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth will visit Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday to answer any questions from the public, library officials said.

Longtime Conant math teacher remembered as ‘great enthusiast’
By Jessica CilellaFormer co-workers and family are remembering longtime Conant High School math department chair Bill McCauley as an exceptional mentor who effectively brought together the young teachers, creating a second family for them all. McCauley died Wednesday at age 78. "No department head was ever more dedicated and more supportive of the teachers and their mission than Bill McCauley," said Don...

Mission trip teaches football players about need, wealth and joy
By Philip Graham RykenSome Wheaton College football players spent their spring break volunteering in some of the poorest neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. College President Philip Graham Ryken tells us about the Wheaton Football Ministry Partnership that connects current athletes to alumni now serving in ministries around the world.

Geneva woman honored for toy driveBy Harry Hitzeman
Legal Affairs Writer
Wen Marcec of Geneva has been recognized as one of 10 extraordinary volunteers for Make A Difference Day for her efforts to coordinate a toy drive that helped 600 poor children in four schools in Kentucky. “We are overwhelmed and very excited about this honor,” Marcec said. “We try and involve the whole community. These toys go to kids who have absolutely nothing. It's been a...

Dist. 214 Community Art and Writing Contest winners
Daily Herald reportLike we have done in the past, the Daily Herald is bringing you the top short stories, artwork and poems from this year's Community Art and Writing Contest in District 214. You'll meet a young woman longing for love, an elderly man struggling with his wife's dementia, a 6-year-old getting used to a new mother. You'll see amazing artwork and read rich poetry. Enjoy!

To Hopis’ dismay, tribal masks sold off in Paris
Associated PressA Paris auction house went ahead Friday with a contested sale of dozens of Native American tribal masks after winning a court ruling, despite appeals for a delay by the Hopi tribe, its supporters and the U.S. government. The Hopi tribe wants the masks returned, insisting they have a special status and are more than art — representing their dead ancestors' spirits.

Tears flow as 13 Serbian shooting victims buried
Associated PressMourners wailed and church bells tolled Friday in this Serbian village as hundreds came to bury 13 people shot dead by a man some called a quiet, helpful neighbor. Ljubisa Bogdanovic, a 60-year-old veteran of the Balkan wars, went on a pre-dawn, house-to-house rampage Tuesday in Velika Ivanca, before turning the gun on himself and his wife, police said. The 13 victims included his mother, his son...

China reports new bird flu death, 2 new infections
Associated PressChinese health authorities have reported another bird flu death and two new cases of infection. The new cases reported Friday in Shanghai bring the total number of deaths in China due to the new bird flu virus, known as H7N9, to 11. Another 29 people have been infected. All of the cases have been in eastern China.

Water main break swamps Ohio neighborhood
Associated PressPeople were warned to boil water for health safety after a broken 36-inch main swamped an Akron, Ohio, neighborhood, submerging cars, flooding basements and washing away foundations.

Warrant: Texas suspect interested in cannibalism
Associated PressA man accused of stabbing more than a dozen people at a Houston-area college told investigators that he had fantasized about cannibalism and necrophilia and about cutting off people's faces and wearing them as masks, according to a court document made public on Thursday.

Off-duty paramedic rescues man who sawed arms
Associated PressFire Capt. Art Hurtado was making an off-duty visit to a home improvement store when he encountered a horrific sight — a man had deliberately cut his own arms to the bone with handsaws. As others screamed, the veteran paramedic used materials from store shelves to stanch the bleeding. "I kind of MacGyver-ed it," Hurtado said.

French Senate passes gay marriage bill
Associated PressThe French Senate voted Friday to legalize same-sex marriage in France, putting a landmark bill on track to become law by summer. The vote in the upper house of Parliament — led by President Francois Hollande's Socialists — comes despite boisterous protests. Opponents, mostly conservatives and fervent Roman Catholics, have sought to defend traditional marriage.

Accused former Schaumburg cop: I found faithBy Barbara Vitello
Legal Affairs Writer
“You may recognize my face. You may recognize the name. If you don't, you can Google me.” That's how former Schaumburg undercover police officer John Cichy introduced himself to viewers in a video posted April 4 on YouTube. Cichy doesn't discuss his case on the video, but instead talks about his recent faith conversion.

BBC faces dilemma as anti-Thatcher song tops chart
Associated PressThe BBC is in a bind after opponents of Margaret Thatcher pushed the song "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead" to the top of the British charts in a posthumous protest over her divisive policies. The online campaign to drive the "Wizard of Oz" song to the No. 1 spot on the U.K. singles chart was launched by Thatcher critics shortly after the former prime minister died Monday of a stroke at age 87. As...

Senate background check debate starts next week
Associated PressThe first hurdle cleared with deceptive ease, the Senate turns to the heart of the battle over curbing gun violence next week when it considers a proposal to expand required federal background checks to gun shows and online firearms sales. Thursday's one-sided vote belied what looks to be a difficult path in Congress for gun restrictions. "Nothing is going to happen quickly," said Senate Majority...

Sterling man lives with Parkinson’s
Associated PressTom Nelson never thought that, at 30-something, he would wear a medical bracelet, walk with a cane, or sleep in a recliner. But Tom, 32, has Parkinson's disease. In December 2011, he noticed his fingers would move uncontrollably ñ a back-and-forth rubbing of the thumb and forefinger, known as a pill-rolling tremor. He also noticed his head and hands would twitch, enough that he could not be still...

Spring storm that killed 3 moving to the Carolinas
Associated PressA powerful spring storm unleashed tornadoes, hail and high winds as it swept through the Midwest into the Deep South, leaving three people dead and thousands without power before heading for the Carolinas early Friday. The storm marched from Louisiana to Georgia on Thursday, killing one person in Mississippi, where a twister was spotted.

Airfield lighting outage closes 4 O’Hare runways
Associated PressAn airfield lighting outage has forced the shutdown of more than half of the runways at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, delaying flights at one of the world's busiest airports. Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Karen Pride says four of the airport's seven runways were closed for about 40 minutes Thursday night.

Ind. couple charged in death of 6-month-old baby
Associated Presshe parents of a Bloomington infant who died last month face preliminary neglect charges after toxicology tests showed the child had an anti-anxiety drug in her system.The Herald-Times reports the child's mother, 21-year-old Brenda Lynn Jay, and the baby's 31-year-old father, Joshua Aaron Lloyd, were arrested Thursday.

Group ready to restore old Ill. sheriff’s home
Associated PressThe old sheriff's home and jail in downtown Paxton has been deteriorating for years, but new owners plan to change that. Royce Baier is president of the Paxton Foundation. He says the group plans to start work soon on the buildings that sit on the square in the eastern Illinois town. Paxton is about 25 miles northeast of Champaign.

Cook County’s early Medicaid expansion under way
Associated PressCook County has enrolled 37,000 low-income adults in a new program that will provide insurance coverage without cost to patients. The CountyCare program expands Medicaid coverage a year ahead of what's coming in many states under the Affordable Care Act.

Officials: Nebraska body was that of Wis. fugitive
Associated PressA body found nearly a year ago in western Nebraska was that of a Wisconsin fugitive who'd been convicted of trying to produce a biological weapon, authorities say. DNA samples and other evidence led investigators to conclude that the remains were those of 64-year-old Denys Ray Hughes, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Thursday.

Official: Illinois human services staff too lean
Associated PressOfficials say the Illinois Department of Human Services staff is so lean that caseworkers can devote only 45 minutes a year to some families in need of social services. Human Services Secretary Michelle Saddler told lawmakers Thursday that the agency needs more money to hire employees. Some have caseloads of 2,600.

Despite tensions, N. Korea readies for festivities
Associated PressAs the world watches to see what North Korea's next move will be in a high-stakes game of brinksmanship with the United States, residents of its capital aren't hunkering down in bunkers and preparing for the worst. Instead, they are out on the streets en masse getting ready for the birthday of national founder Kim Il Sung — the biggest holiday of the year.

ECC and MCC to hold job fairs April 19 Daily Herald reportsLooking for a job? Find out what companies are hiring in the Fox Valley at these upcoming job fairs, both Friday, April 19. Elgin Community College's fair is set for 1 to 4 p.m.; at McHenry County College, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Actors, others honor Ebert at Chicago theaterAssociated PressHollywood came to Chicago on Thursday as actors, directors, film critics and studio presidents honored late movie reviewer Roger Ebert in his hometown. All of those who shared memories at the Chicago Theatre cheered Ebert as a champion of movies. “He was always supportive of artists. He always gave you a fair shake,” said Chicago native John Cusack, who appeared with his sister and...

Bill bans lenders from garnishing graduates' wagesAssociated Press
Graduates struggling to repay private student loans could get a reprieve under legislation that passed the California state Assembly on Thursday The bill from Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, would prevent private lenders from garnishing the wages of indebted former students.Wieckowski said the creditors are allowed to withhold up to 25 percent of a delinquent borrower's disposable income.

Des Plaines mayor-elect young, not inexperiencedBy Madhu Krishnamurthy
At 26, Des Plaines Mayor-elect Matt Bogusz already has earned many distinctions — among them youngest mayor in the Northwest suburbs, and perhaps the youngest city leader in recent Illinois history. “What he lacks in institutional knowledge, he makes up for in enthusiasm and really a go-getter attitude,” Northwest Municipal Conference Executive Director Mark Fowler said.

Immigration bill could exclude many
Associated PressAlthough illegal immigration to the U.S. has been dropping, many tens of thousands still arrive each year, so the cutoff date alone could exclude a large number of people. That may come as a disappointment to immigrant rights groups that had been hoping that anyone here as of the date of enactment of the bill could be able to become eligible for citizenship.

Images: Photo Contest Finalists
Each week you submit your favorite photo. We pick the best of the bunch and select 12 finlaists. Here are the finalists for the week of April 8th.

No debating great Scott field
By Dave OberhelmanAfter Naperville North's annual coed Gus Scott Track and Field Invitational is all over, coaches of all the teams meet in the field house to decide on boys and girls MVPs. It could have been a lively debate on Friday. St. Charles East's Britney Williams earned the girls honor for lighting up the oval in the 400- and 800-meter runs. The Iowa State-bound senior won the A-level of the three-tier meet with a time of 2 minutes, 18.87 seconds, nearly nine seconds ahead of Naperville North's Ella Guppy. Williams' time went under the Class 3A qualifying standard by almost a second. Williams returned to win the 400 in 59.33, again dipping below the qualifying standard in an event that took her to Charleston as a junior.

Beat the Red Wings, get Central title — yes!
By Tim SassoneIt's probably only fitting that the Blackhawks beat Detroit to win what might be the final Central Division title. Brandon Saad's goal in the fifth round of the shootout gave the Hawks a 3-2 win and their first Central title since 2010, when they went on to capture the Stanley Cup. "It's a nice achievement, but I think we still want to finish first in the other categories until the end of the year," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said.

Despite injuries, Wings still in playoff chase
By Tim SassoneThe Detroit Red Wings find themselves fighting for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference. It's easy to see why: the Wings have been hit hard by injuries this season, not to mention all they lost with the retirement of all-star defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom. Tim Sassone has that and more in today's Blackhawks notebook.

Ellis, Santos bring Warren a win at Barrington
By Michael EakenThe sophomore duo Brittny Ellis and Autumn Santos gave Warren a powerful 1-2 punch on Friday night at the Barrington Invite. Ellis and Santos combined for four victories leading Warren to the title with a commanding 137 points in the ten-team field. New Trier took second with 107 points, followed by host Barrington (102 points), Plainfield North (66 points), and Hoffman Estates (64 points).

West Aurora makes its case at Downers Grove North
By Kevin McGavinThe West Aurora girls track and field team had a glaring omission from its trophy case in recent years. Despite a host of prestigious titles, including three county championships, a pair of DuPage Valley Conference titles and an equal number of sectional triumphs in Class 3A the last three years, the Ritter Invite at Downers Grove North had proven mightily elusive with three straight runner-up performances. But behind the indomitable talents of Emma Spagnola and Anita Saffra Friday night in Downers Grove, the Blackhawks eased past field-event heavy Prospect 119-105 to win the 14-team invitational.

Perfect tourney starts for Stevenson, VH, Barrington
Boys volleyballLake County tourney: Stevenson, Vernon Hills, Deerfield and Barrington all went a perfect 3-0 in pool play in the Lake County tournament, which was hosted at Vernon Hills, Antioch and Lakes.Stevenson defeated Antioch (25-14, 25-13), Mundelein (25-18, 25-11) and Loyola (25-17, 25-20). On the night, the Patriots got 21 kills from Brad Tiller and 16 kills out of both Brett Lerner and Aaron Zalewski. Setter Jonah May rolled up 54 assists while Brian Dubinsky finished with a team-high 25 digs. Carmel, Libertyville, Warren, Grant and Lakes are among some of the other teams involved. Action picks up today with first- and second-place pools at Vernon Hills, the third place pool at Lakes and the fourth place pool at Antioch.

Lake County roundup
Daily Herald reportSoftballGrayslake Central 10, Woodstock 5: Caitlin Flary drove in 3 runs on 2 hits to lead Grayslake Central to the win. Teammate Brittany Brown added 3 hits and 2 RBI for the Rams. Brown was also the winning pitcher. She rolled up 6 strikeouts and did not allow a walk over seven innings.Grayslake North 13, Johnsburg 5: Marli Kram had 3 hits and teammates Sarah Littleton, Maddie Terlap and Mariah Gentile each had 2 hits to lead Grayslake North, which rolled up a total of 13 hits. Pitcher Nikki Livengood got the win. She tallied 8 strikeouts in seven innings.Carmel 8, Lakes 4: Jenny Behan, Amanda Elert and Amy Abel all homered for the Corsairs.Behan finished 3-for-4 with 4 RBI and also doubled. Elert(2 RBI) and Abel each had 2 hits. Nicole Bitter earned the win.

Lake County roundup
Daily Herald reportOnly a lack of daylight stopped the Stevenson offense as the Patriots topped Grant 13-6 on Friday. The game was called for darkness in the fifth inning after Stevenson scored 6 runs in the first inning and 7 runs in the fourth inning. Tony Heiser and Greg Voss both went 3-for-3 for the Patriots while teammates Jimmy Marchese and Mitchell Goll both had 2 hits. Pitcher Jordan Sheinkop got the win. He rolled up 9 strikeouts and gave up no walks over four innings. For Grant, Ryan Noda with 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, Jake Ring went 2-for-3 with a double and Brent Spohr also had a double.Grayslake Central 3, Deerfield 2: Despite trailing 2-1 with two outs and no runners on base in the bottom of the seventh, host Grayslake Central still managed to get the win. Jay Hoffman was hit by a pitch to start the rally and Ryan Fontana reached on an error. Justin Dooley, who had doubled and scored the Rams’ first run earlier in the game, drew a walk. Freddie Landers was credited with an infield single and the attempt to first got away and brought in Fontana with the winning run. “Unbelievable resilience by our kids,” Grayslake Central coach Troy Whalen said. “They battled the whole game. The kids keep finding a way. They are fun to watch.” Russell Lundius tossed the final 4 innings for Grayslake Central and shut out Deerfield on 2 hits with 3 strikeouts.

Lake County roundup
Daily Herald reportGirls soccerAntioch 2, Lake Forest Academy 1: Mikayla Abbeduto scored both of Antioch’s goals while Haley Capek and Abbi McIlhany each got an assist. The win is the first of the season for Antioch (1-2-1).Grant 9, North Chicago 0: The Bulldogs scored all nine of their goals in the first half. Danielle Frazer had 2 goals and an assist, Jenna Pecorini had 2 goals and Alyssa Wilhelm and Sophie Finerty each had a goal and an assist.Mundelein 5, Johnsburg 1: McKenna Joy and Shannon Carroll each had 2 goals and an assist for Mundelein, which improves to 4-0-2 on the season. The Mustangs also got a goal from Valentino Moyao and well as 2 assists from Stephanie Johnson.

Call it a thriller in favor of Libertyville
By Joe AguilarFunny, good and good-natured, Libertyville's new student PA announcer had a nickname for every Wildcat batter Friday. The rookie even had a couple of monikers for Antioch third baseman Nick Muskat, who got some "Muskrat" love during one at-bat and had a "Musket" fired at him another time he stepped into the box. The nickname for Libertyville first baseman Kevin Calamari? Sure, "The Squid." "I've heard them all," Calamari said. " Fried Cal.' I get Squid' a lot. All the Italian jokes. The Italians love it." On a rainy day best suited for those who thrive in water, who better to be a hero for Libertyville than "The Squid?" Calamari doubled twice off hard-throwing Antioch ace David Meade, and Calamari's leadoff walk led to the winning run in the bottom of the eighth, as Libertyville rallied late to edge visiting Antioch 3-2 in a North Suburban Conference crossover.

Power surge for unbeaten Barrington
Daily Herald reportBarrington's softball team belted its 11th and 12th home runs of the season an remained unbeaten with a 7-1 victory at Rolling Meadows on Friday.

Buffalo Grove shuts out Rolling Meadows
Daily Herald reportBuffalo Grove protected the unbeaten start to its season by delivering a 3-0 victory over host Rolling Meadows in Mid-Suburban East girls soccer action Friday.

Blackhawks clinch division with SO win over Wings Associated PressBrandon Saad scored in the fifth round of the shootout after Jonathan Toews tied the game late in regulation, and the Blackhawks clinched the Central Division title with a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.

Sox waste strong pitching in 1-0 loss Assocaited PressThe White Sox couldn't take advantage of an outstanding pitching performance Friday. Jose Quintana and two relievers allowed only three hits, but Cleveland starter Justin Masterson dominated Chicago's hitters and the Indians scored a run in the ninth to send the White Sox to a 1-0 defeat.

No-hitter for Barrington’s Nelson
Daily Herald reportSenior Scott Nelson produced a 5-inning no-hitter as host Barrington earned a 10-0 victory over Wheeling in an MSL divisional crossover Friday.Nelson allowed only 1 ball out of the infield and induced 13 groundouts. He struck out one and walked three in improving to 2-1.Leading a 10-hit attack for Barrington (5-7) with 2 hits apiece were Nelson, Jake Coon (double, 2 runs, 3 RBI) and Justin Dragosz (3 runs).Hoffman Estates 8, Hersey 4: Hawks starter Jimmy Ward was effective in his 6-inning stint in an MSL crossover played at Hersey, striking out seven and walking two while allowing 3 hits as Hoffman Estates earned its first win of the season.Zak Lewandowski went 3-for-3 and drove in a run, Zack Hommowun went 2-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI. Ethan Bloom doubled and drove in a run, and Justin Frame doubled as part of a 7-hit effort by the Hawks (1-6).Rolling Meadows 5, Schaumburg 4: Mustangs starter Mickey Wazorick pitched 5 innings and Matt Dennis relieved for 1 to earn a save as the host Mustangs hung on for an MSL crossover win.Mike Dolan went 2-for-3 with a homer and 4 RBI, Alex Niecikowski went 3-for-3 and Dennis doubled and drove in a run for Rolling Meadows (4-3-1).Max Paolicchi went the distance and took the loss for Schaumburg, which got a double and RBI from both Josh Rahn and Jack Holden, and a home run from Brayden Teele.Palatine vs. Prospect: The teams played three innings and were tied at 3-3 before play was suspended.

Also-ran Raptors have the Bulls’ number againRemember those frustrating Bulls teams of a decade ago? They specialized in winning meaningless games late in the season, finishing 4-2 in both 2002 and '03. The current Bulls have met the modern match in the Toronto Raptors, a young,athletic tean anxious to hide a disappointing season with some late wins. The Raptors beat the Bulls for the second time in three days, winning 97-88 on Friday.

Dundee-Crown handles Hampshire
Daily Herald reportGarrett Ryan went 3-for-3 and scored twice, Ryan Suwanski walked and drove in 3 runs and Zach Girard went 2-for-4 with a double and 2 runs as Dundee-Crown won a Fox Valley Conference crossover baseball game in Carpentersville Friday, 7-3 over Hampshire.

Baseball: DuPage roundup
Daily Herald reportNaperville North 4, Wheaton North 3:The Huskies (5-4, 1-2) scored all their runs in the bottom of the second inning to win in the DuPage Valley Conference. Naperville North received RBI from Ryan Krainz, Mark Khoury and Alex Garon. Robert Leonard was the complete-game winning pitcher. Greg Scandora went 3-for-4 and Johnny Peltz had 2 hits for Wheaton North (9-2, 2-1).Glenbard North 12, West Chicago 7:The Panthers (5-4, 3-0) earned the three-game DuPage Valley Conference sweep by scoring 4 runs in the fourth inning and 5 runs in the fifth. Jeff LaPage, who drove in 4 runs, was one of five Glenbard North players with 2 hits. Alex Barrett homered while Adam Villanueva was the winning pitcher. A.J. Seidler homered twice and had 4 RBI for West Chicago (3-7, 0-3).WW South 13, West Aurora 2:Eleven players accounted for the Tigers’ 15 hits as they swept in the DuPage Valley Conference. Mitch Krafcheck, who had 3 RBI, and Baylor Holmes homered. Eric and Kevin Giltz and Matt Walsh had 2 hits apiece for WW South (8-3, 3-0). Winning pitcher Rich O’Neil scattered 4 hits over 6 innings.Glenbard South 6, Elmwood Park 1:The Raiders (7-2) improved to 5-0 in the Metro Suburban Conference behind a 12-strikeout performance over 6 innings by winning pitcher Mike Atkinson. Ethan Gasbarro and Zach Smith drove in runs. Waubonsie Valley 7, Streamwood 6:The Warriors (5-5, 4-2) broke out to a 7-0 lead before Streamwood struck for 6 runs in the top of the seventh. Drew Ellam, who homered, and Ben Vietri each went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. C.J. Lee got the save in relief of winning pitcher Tyler Hasper.

Naperville Central quickly back into the swing of thingsBy Kevin Schmit
On a damp, raw, windy day like Friday, baseball players do everything with a much greater sense of urgency. Naperville Central wasn't about to mess around at the plate. Smacking 16 hits in five innings, the Redhawks rolled to an 11-0 DuPage Valley Conference victory over visiting Glenbard East in a makeup game from earlier in the week.

DuPage hangs on at Harper
By Jonathan CregierOn Friday, Harper College welcomed one of the North Central Community College Conference's top softball teams to Palatine in College of DuPage. It wasn't easy for either team, but the Chaparrals (16-9, 10-1) managed to pull out an 11-10 victory before weather and deteriorating field conditions forced the cancellation of the scheduled second game.

Green, Eustace lead Batavia past South Elgin
By Jerry FitzpatrickA mud-caked uniform was the small price Batavia left fielder Laren Eustace paid for making a catch that thwarted South Elgin's best threat in a 2-0 Upstate Eight baseball crossover win Friday. Protecting a 1-0 lead with the bases loaded in the third, Eustace charged a high flyball to shallow left off the bat of Storm cleanup hitter Joe Crivolio. He closed on the ball quickly, made a diving catch toward the infield and popped right up with chunks of cold, wet outfield grass and dirt spackled to his uniform.

Another strong all-around effort for Mauk, Conant
By John BumbalesIt was another outstanding performance by host Conant on Friday night at the 10th Annual Ed Raymond Invitational. For the third time this season, state-ranked Conant soared over the 150-point plateau as the Cougars comfortably won the tough 12-team meet. Conant finished at 152.82, with runner-up Buffalo Grove at 146.77.

St. Edward will go for Brieger’s 200th Saturday
By Steve NicholsCareer win No. 200 will have to wait another day for St. Edward girls soccer coach Tim Brieger. The only coach in Green Wave girls soccer history needed just 2 wins on Friday to reach the milestone but after a scoreless tie against Streamwood and a 3-0 win over Genoa-Kingston in the Green Wave Invitational at Greg True Field, Brieger found himself stuck on 199. There's a chance for Brieger to earn the milestone at some point Saturday, but one person who was proud to prevent it from happening was Brieger's good friend, Streamwood coach Matt Polovin.

Naperville N., Waubonsie Valley battle to tie
By Chris WalkerIt's difficult to figure out which has been harder to stick with this season: Naperville North sophomore Abbie Boswell, or when and where the Huskies would face Waubonsie Valley during Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Boswell scored late in the first half, but the Warriors answered with the equalizer to earn a hard-fought draw during Friday's contest, which ended up being played on Metea Valley's artificial surface.

Weiner, Stevenson find the range against Deerfield
By Rusty SilberJenna Weiner had her hand in a revitalized Stevenson offense — by way of her foot. The Miami (Ohio)-bound Weiner contributed on four of six Patriots goals as Stevenson handled Deerfield 6-1 Friday in a consolation bracket match of the Pepsi Showdown. Weiner scored a goal and assisted on three others — each of them set pieces.

South Elgin tops Geneva, keeps UEC record perfect
By John LemonTime and time again on a frigid Friday at Geneva, the Vikings had runners on base ready to score and hand South Elgin its first Upstate Eight Conference defeat. Except that time and time again South Elgin's Paige Allen and Katie Koss made the pitches they needed to to stand those runners. While Geneva left at least one runner on base in every inning and 11 in the game, the Storm scored once in the fifth inning and twice in the sixth to break a 2-2 tie and post a 5-2 win.

Savoring Masters storylines
By Mike SpellmanAdmit it.When you heard the roars and saw Tiger's name slowly creeping up the leaderboard Friday you were thinking, Well, here we go. It's over.'Not yet.

Presto: Wild no-hitter for Schaumburg’s Felde
By John LeuschWith the misty and cold weather on Friday, Schaumburg sophomore pitcher Shannon Felde said nothing was really working for her in the first few innings at Hersey. But Felde managed to work her magic, escaping from a few jams and going on to hurl the first no-hitter of her young varsity career. Her teammates pulled plenty of offense out of the hat and the Saxons rolled to a 13-1 six-inning victory (10-run rule) in the Mid-Suburban League crossover.

Quentin suspended 8 games, Hairston 1 for brawl
Associated PressPadres slugger and former White Sox Carlos Quentin has been suspended eight games and Los Angeles infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. suspended one game by Major League Baseball for their roles in a brawl Thursday night.

Bulls can’t slow down Raptors Associated PressAmir Johnson had 24 points and nine rebounds, Rudy Gay scored 23 points and the Toronto Raptors earned their second straight win over the Bulls, beating them 97-88 on Friday night. Kyle Lowry had 13 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points for the Raptors, who were coming off a 101-98 win in Chicago on Tuesday night.

Bartlett slugs way past St. Charles North
By Seth HancockBraving the strong winds and frigid temperatures was well worth it for the Bartlett baseball team as the Hawks hosted St. Charles North in an Upstate Eight Conference crossover game. With 16 hits, some help from 4 North Stars' errors and a strong outing from pitcher Doug Van Dyke the Hawks earned a 13-2 win over the North Stars (6-6, 2-4) in five innings on Friday afternoon. Already leading 4-2 heading into the bottom of the second inning, the Hawks (5-2, 4-2) put the game out of reach with a 6-run frame. The big inning was setup by 2 errors which led to 5 unearned runs.

Day leads at Masters, local golfer misses cut Associated PressJason Day leads the Masters after the second round, and 14-year-old Guan Tianlang has become the youngest player to make the cut in PGA Tour history. Local golfer Kevin Streelman of Winfield missed the cut.

Barney enjoys getting Gold Glove
By Bruce MilesCubs second baseman Darwin Barney received his Gold Glove from 2012 during a pregame ceremony. Barney is heading out on an injury-rehab assignment at Class AAA Iowa, and he should be back Tuesday.

Cubs turn cloud of defeat into sunny victory
By Bruce MilesThe Cubs wound up with sunshine on a rainy day despite a few stormy moments in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Giants at Wrigley Field. After a blown save by Kyuji Fujikawa, the Cubs ralled for 2 runs in the bottom of the ninth.

Greinke breaks collarbone in brawl with QuentinAssociated PressPadres slugger and former White Sox Carlos Quentin felt that getting hit by pitches by Zack Greinke during the 2008 and 2009 seasons was justification enough for rushing the mound and slamming into the pitcher — hard enough to break his left collarbone.

Will Bears draft young corners for depth?
By Bob LeGereBoth Bears starting cornerbacks, Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings, made the Pro Bowl last season, but that position could benefit from an infusion of youth via the draft.

‘Honey Badger’ hoping to sack character issues
By Bob LeGereFormer LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu looks like an instant-impact player on tape, but his problems with marijuana use got him kicked out of school and have caused NFL teams to question his character leading up to the draft.

After blown save, Castro wins it for Cubs Associated PressStarlin Castro's ninth-inning double off the center-field wall gave the Cubs a 4-3 win Friday over the San Francisco Giants.The Cubs led 2-0 heading into the top of the ninth, but closer Kyuji Fujikawa allowed a one-out RBI single by Pablo Sandoval and hit Buster Posey with a pitch before Brandon Belt's two-out double down the right-field line.

14-year-old golfer receives penalty for slow play
Associated PressGuan Tianlang, the 14-year-old Chinese golfer who added some buzz to this year's Masters, was hit with a one-stroke penalty for slow play during Friday's second round, hurting his chances of making the cut.

Johnson to direct Palatine girls basketball
By John LeuschMark Johnson has been named head girls basketball coach at Palatine High School, school officials announced Friday. Johnson, an assistant girls basketball coach with the Pirates, most recently coached the freshmen "A" girls team. He will take over the responsibilities of the girls program from Leslie Schock, who stepped down after five years as head coach.

Wolves honor Davies, Sterling with awards
By Daily Herald News ServicesForward Michael Davies has been named the Chicago Wolves' Dan Snyder Man of the Year in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Chicago-area charities and the community during the 2012-13 season. The award is earned by one Wolves player each season in memory of Snyder, who passed away on Oct. 5, 2003, after suffering head injuries in a car accident.

White Sox call up Heath from Charlotte
From Daily Herald News ServicesCLEVELAND — After placing second baseman Gordon Beckham on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to April 10) with a hamate fracture in his left hand, the Chicago White Sox recalled right-handed pitcher Deunte Heath from Class AAA Charlotte before Friday's game against the Indians.

Snow postpones Cougars games in Wisconsin
By Daily Herald News ServicesGRAND CHUTE, Wis. — Friday's doubleheader between the Kane County Cougars and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers has been postponed because of snow at Time Warner Cable Field. The Cougars and Timber Rattlers will make up the contests as part of doubleheaders on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. and Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

Snedeker has what it takes to win MastersBy Mike NorthMike North picks his 2013 Masters winner as he talks a little about the toughness of the sport. He also reveals why he is a bad golfer, but wishes he could be a good one.

Bulls bust up another streak By Mike McGraw
The Bulls made New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony superstar work for his rewards. Anthony piled up 36 points, but he hit just 13 of 34 shots from the field and the Bulls ended another long winning streak, knocking off New York 118-111 in overtime at the United Center. Nate Robinson, the former Knicks guard was far more efficient than Anthony. Robinson scored 35 points, hitting 10 of 18 shots from the field.

Business

How to get 6 months extra to file your tax return
Associated PressEven with the advent of electronic filing, many Americans may not be able to deliver their tax return before the Monday, 11:59 p.m. EDT deadline. If you're in this group, it may be OK. The IRS will give you until Oct. 15 to file your return if you ask for an extension by midnight Monday. Last year, 10.7 million Americans did just that.

Biotech industry at stake as court weighs human gene patent
By Greg Stohr and Susan DeckerThe court next week will debate whether human genes can be patented, hearing arguments from doctors, patients and scientists who say patents are stifling clinical testing and research. The group is challenging Myriad Genetics Inc.'s patents on genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer. A decision against gene patenting would ripple across a host of industries -- including biotechnology, agriculture, industrial microbiology and pharmaceuticals. The case has implications for the growing field of personalized medicine and efforts to map the human brain and discover new uses for embryonic stem cells.

West Dundee music theater has a buyer
By Lenore T. AdkinsAfter nearly two years years of sitting vacant, the foreclosed Clearwater Theater in West Dundee has secured a buyer, one who will keep it going as a venue for live music. The buyer may also acquire the neighboring M.T. Barrels Restaurant and Brewery building on 98 Main Street that's been empty for at least three years.

Stocks end a four-day advance
Associated PressThe price of crude oil dropped $2.50 to $91 a barrel in New York trading. The International Energy Agency lowered its forecast for global oil demand this year, echoing predictions made earlier this week by OPEC and the U.S. Energy Department.Gold plunged $58 to $1,507 an ounce, its biggest drop in more than a year and the lowest level since July 2011. Gold has been falling this year as investors anticipate a stronger U.S. economy.

Drought eases in farm belt
Associated PressAbove-average snow cover and a chilly, wet spring have helped restore moisture to many states burdened by last year's drought, which has eased large portions of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Portions of drought-stricken Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have seen some rain, but many counties remain woefully dry.

Obama earns less in 2012, pays $112,000 in taxes
Associated PressMost of the $608,611 that the Obamas reported in adjusted gross income came from the president's salary, as he reported $394,840 in wages. An additional $258,772 came from royalties from his books, including his 1995 memoir "Dreams From My Father," his 2006 political book, "The Audacity of Hope," and a 2010 children's book, "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters."

Film industry spent record $184 million in IllinoisAssociated PressGov. Pat Quinn says tax incentives to draw big film productions to Illinois have paid off, leading to a record $184 million in spending last year by production crews. Quinn is touting the benefits of more movie and TV work in the state during a visit Friday to the Chicago set of science fiction film "Divergent," which will feature Kate Winslet.

Arlington Heights dine-in cinema aims for late May opening
By Eric PetersonStar Cinema Grill, the forthcoming dine-in movie theater in downtown Arlington Heights, aims to be fully operational by the summer movie season but hasn't yet named a specific opening day. "Our goal is Memorial Day weekend," said opening team coordinator Jason Ostrow.

Wholesale prices drop 0.6 percent in March
Associated PressA measure of wholesale prices fell in March by the largest amount in 10 months, reflecting a big drop in gasoline prices. The producer price index fell 0.6 percent last month compared with February, the Labor Department said Friday. In February, wholesale prices had jumped 0.7 percent.

FDA finds safety issues at specialty pharmacies
Associated PressThe Food and Drug Administration says it has uncovered potential safety problems at 30 specialty pharmacies that were inspected in the wake of a recent outbreak of meningitis caused by contaminated drugs. The agency said its inspectors targeted 31 compounding pharmacies that produce sterile drugs, which must be prepared under highly sanitary conditions.

JPMorgan CEO: ‘Work to do’ on controls, compliance
Associated PressJPMorgan Chase, the country's biggest bank by assets, says its first-quarter earnings soared, even as revenue fell slightly. The bank made $6.1 billion in the first quarter, after stripping out payments to preferred shareholders. That was up 34 percent from the same period a year ago, when it made $4.6 billion. On a per-share basis, that amounted to $1.59. That blew away the estimates of analysts polled by FactSet, who had been expecting $1.39.

U.S. businesses boosted stockpiles only 0.1 pct.
Associated PressWASHINGTON — U.S. companies restocked their shelves at a much slower pace in February than January, a sign they expected consumer and business spending to weaken. Business stockpiles increased only 0.1 percent in February, the Commerce Department said Friday. That’s the smallest gain since June and down from a 0.9 percent increase in January, which was revised slightly lower. Total business sales rose at a healthy 1.2 percent pace in February, mostly because retail sales grew. But a separate report Friday showed retail sales fell 0.4 percent in March.Restocking helps drive economic growth. When companies order more goods, factory output increases. Economists had expected a bigger gain in stockpiles in February, so the lackluster increase could lead some to pare back their economic growth forecasts for the January-March quarter. Prior to the February report, many had been predicting growth accelerated in the first quarter to an annual rate of roughly 3 percent. Even slightly slower growth would be better than the expansion rate of just 0.4 percent rate in the October-December quarter. Growth was held back in the fourth quarter by weaker restocking and steep cuts in defense spending.Economists expect consumer spending rose from January through March, helped by strong gains in February. But the weaker retail spending in March signals growth may slow in the April-June quarter. Job growth is also a question. Businesses stepped up hiring over the winter, adding an average of 220,000 jobs from November through February. But employers added just 88,000 net jobs in March, which likely weighed on spending last month, too.Friday’s report covers a broader range of companies than the wholesale report. It measures stockpiles held by manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers

U.S. retail sales fall 0.4 percent in March
Associated PressSales at U.S. retailers fell in March from February, indicating that higher taxes and weak hiring may have made some consumers more cautious about spending. Retail sales declined a seasonally adjusted 0.4 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Friday. That followed a 1 percent gain in February and a 0.1 percent decline in January. Both February and January figures were revised lower.

Top baristas duke it out for national championship
Associated PressThe caffeinated concoctions sound like something out of a mad scientist's lab: coffee infused with bacon or caramelized tangerine; spiced orange reduction or liquefied cheesecake. After months of preparation and percolation, the country's top baristas are giving it their best shots in Boston. The U.S. Barista Championship got started Thursday at the Boston Convention Center and runs through Sunday, when one contender's brewing brilliance will reign supreme.

Stern Pinball launches Metallica game
PRNewswireStern Pinball, the world's leading maker of real pinball games and the AAMA 2012 Manufacturer of the Year, has released the Metallica pinball game.

Honeyberry Cafe opens in Arlington Hts.
By Melissa SilverbergThe restaurant family that runs La Tasca in Arlington Heights and the Black Cow in Mount Prospect has opened Honeyberry Cafe, a new breakfast and lunch restaurant on Rand Road in Arlington Heights.

Panel: Tapping into sports 'power' can build business By Richard R. Klicki
Sports is the common ground that can connect your business with potential customers and help build revenues, according to a panel of experts speaking Thursday at the Daily Herald Business Ledger Newsmakers' Forum on the business of sports. The panel spoke to a group of suburban business executives and leaders on "How to Score with Your Sports Marketing Money" during the event held at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.

American Digital expands, hunts for more acquisitions By Anna Marie KukecAmerican Digital Corp., a 25-year-old technology services company, is moving its headquarters from Arlington Heights to Elk Grove Village in coming weeks so it can double its space to accommodate increased business and two major acquisitions. The company, that offers data storage and other products to large companies, just spent roughly $3 million to acquired Helixstorm, a provider of managed services in Murrieta, Calif.

EU officials push for progress on banking union
European finance ministers are looking to make progress on the creation of a single supervisor to watch over banks — a task officials say has assumed even greater urgency since a banking crisis in Cyprus stoked renewed fears over the region's debt crisis. The meeting of the 27 finance ministers of the European Union countries in the Irish capital is the first since the chaos of the Cyprus bailout.

Coding boot camps promise to launch tech careers
Associated PressLooking for a career change, Ken Shimizu decided he wanted to be a software developer, but he didn't want to go back to college to study computer science. Instead, he quit his job and spent his savings to enroll at Dev Bootcamp, a new San Francisco school that teaches students how to write software in nine weeks. The $11,000 gamble paid off: A week after he finished the program last summer, he landed an engineering job that paid more than twice his previous salary.

How fracking transforms fortunes, land
Associated PressThree hours west of Denver, across the Continental Divide, the Rocky Mountains begin the long transition into high desert plateaus. This sparsely-populated land is dotted with ranches and small towns that were once local hubs for mining the rich minerals found under the earth. But over the past few years, this town and others have become increasingly a local center for the natural gas industry.

Quinn, Madigan set to address Realtors
Associated PressGov. Pat Quinn and a potential rival for his job will address a conference of Realtors in Springfield on Monday. The Illinois Association of Realtors announced Thursday that Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan will speak to the Illinois Housing Leaders Conference.

Life & Entertainment

Looking for a little bathroom remodeling project
By Ed Del GrandeQ. I'm a single woman and recently closed on my own home. The bathroom is nice, but I want my contractor to do a little remodeling. Please note that I can only afford some easy upgrades and space is limited.

Groundbreaking improv comic Jonathan Winters diesAssociated PressJonathan Winters, the cherub-faced comedian whose breakneck improvisations and misfit characters inspired the likes of Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, has died. He was 87. The Ohio native died Thursday evening at his Montecito, Calif., home of natural causes.

‘Scary Movie’ can’t scare up laughs By Frank Scheck
You have to at least give "Scary Movie 5" points for timeliness. This latest installment of the horror movie spoof franchise manages to deliver parodies of movies as recent as last week's "Evil Dead" remake, not to mention one that hasn't even been made yet ("Fifty Shades of Gray"). But those points are immediately subtracted by the fact that this installment doesn't manage to wrest a single laugh from any one of them.

Ballet legend Maria Tallchief dies at 88
Associated PressMaria Tallchief, one of America's first great prima ballerinas who gave life to such works as "The Nutcracker," "Firebird," and other masterpieces from legendary choreographer George Balanchine, has died. She was 88. Tallchief died Thursday in Chicago, her daughter Elise Paschen said Friday.

Rob Lowe returns to the '80s with TV miniseries Associated PressThese days, Rob Lowe is an established actor and best-selling author. But back in the 1980s, he was a hunky newcomer, a teen idol riding the crest of a decade that brought sweeping cultural, technological and geopolitical changes. Lowe helps illuminate the period as the voice of "The '80s: The Decade That Made Us," a six-part documentary series that begins airing at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14, on the National Geographic Channel.

Campton model home opens at Ingham Park in Aurora By Sherry Giewald
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Aurora is a new home community, Ingham Park, that offers exciting kitchen designs and larger secondary bedrooms for children's active lifestyles. At Ingham Park, Ryland Homes is building seven floor plans that feature 9-foot first-floor ceilings, four bedrooms, 2½ to four baths and a three-car garage.

PSY’s new single steals attention away from N. Korea
Associated PressSouth Korean pop star PSY's first new single since his viral hit "Gangnam Style" is stealing attention from inter-Korean tensions. YG Entertainment, PSY's agency, says "Gentleman" was released in 119 countries on Friday.

Fox removes Coulter column with McCain reference
Associated PressThe Fox Nation website has removed a column by conservative commentator Ann Coulter because it had a reference to killing the daughter of Sen. John McCain. Fox said Thursday that the post was removed because of the reference. It had been posted Wednesday.

Fox Valley Rep's 'Plaid' a forever popular production By Scott Morgan
Nostalgia reigns supreme for audiences of a certain age in “Forever Plaid,” that ever-popular revue that celebrates the songs of the 1950s and early '60s. The 1990 off-Broadway show is back on the boards this time courtesy of Fox Valley Repertory's pleasant production at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. With a song list featuring numbers like “Catch a Falling Star,” “Sh Boom” and more, “Forever Plaid” successfully coasts along.

Night life: Booze and blues at MillroseBy Sara HookerMillrose Restaurant hosts the BK Read Blues Band starting at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12. Drink specials include $3 Miller Lite bottles. Stop in early for dinner and half-priced bottles of house wine in the dining room.

Chicago critics group brings film fest to Rosemont By Matt Arado
The members of the Chicago Film Critics Association see themselves not just as critics, but as advocates. This weekend, the association, led by the Daily Herald's Dann Gire, will put that advocacy into action when it holds the inaugural Chicago Critics Film Festival at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont. “It was very fun for us to put together a list of films that we believe in,” said Steve Prokopy, the editor of Ain't It Cool News.

Tyler, the Creator raps boldly on 'Wolf'Associated PressBefore you listen to Tyler, the Creator's third album, “Wolf,” keep this in mind: The rapper lives to offend. Much like his breakthrough album, 2011's “Goblin,” Tyler continues to rap with no filter, but in trying to be overly brash, he ends up detracting and distracting from what overall is a pretty good album.

‘No Way Back’ is suspenseful tale Associated Press“No Way Back” is the latest high-octane thriller from Andrew Gross, the best-selling author of “15 Seconds.” One woman’s life is destroyed and another hides a secret from her past. Gross is a master of suspense, and “No Way Back” will put him on the best-seller lists once again.

Passion, drive, discipline feed Iglesias’ recipe for success By Gisela Salomon
In Julio Iglesias’ recipe for success, talent is only a tiny ingredient. And although the Spanish crooner says singing was not an innate gift for him, he says he’s gotten better — and he wants to show that to fans with his latest album. “Good timing is the first thing you need in order to achieve success,” says one of the 10 best selling Latin artists in history. “Then you need good luck and then a little talent ... and a lot of passion, a lot of drive, and discipline.”

A boom market reappearing
By Ken HarneyThey’re back after barely a decade: Escalation clauses in real estate contracts, “naked” contingency-free offers and lowball-priced listings designed to pull in dozens of bidders and turn routine sales transactions into auctions.

Increase the usefulness of your extension ladder
By Al and Kelly CarrellThere are several different types of ladders, but reaching the highest levels usually is done with an extension ladder. They are made to be strong and safe. But we have some super tips to make your extension ladder both safer and more practical.

Discuss

Pension reform and the constitution
By Laurie ReynoldsGuest columnist Lauri Reynolds: The Illinois and U.S. Constitution require our legislature to adopt pension reform that will spread the pain of cuts fairly among all beneficiaries of the pension system, ensure its long-term financial sustainability and allow it to meet its many other duties to all Illinois citizens. Either of the two leading proposals could reasonably be found to be constitutional.

Margaret Thatcher: moralist
By Michael GersonColumnist George Gerson: It is the great paradox of modern life that free markets depend on responsible, self-reliant, moral citizens, while modern, consumer capitalism — of the kind Margaret Thatcher unleashed in Britain — is a solvent of traditional bonds and norms. Freedom requires virtues it does not produce, and may even help undermine. Which is why Thatcher the free marketeer needed to be Thatcher the moralist.

Look at damage Mrs. Clinton has done
A Palatine letter to the editor: In her eight years as senator from New York, where she had never lived and essentially was elected because she was Mrs. Clinton, I don't recall seeing her name on any major legislation. And her accomplishments as secretary of state? The Middle East is in turmoil.

Internet sales tax is unfair, harmful
A Lake Bluff letter to the editor: Recently, Sen. Durbin successfully obtained a test vote in the U.S. for what is officially known at the Market Fairness Act of 2013 (referred to as the “Internet sales tax” bill).

Stop messing with Social Security
A Schaumburg letter to the editor: I can’t believe that no one has thought of the idea to raise the cap on Social Security wages. Right now it is at $106,800, and what would it take to raise the cap to $500,000 or $800,000?

Choose leaders who will limit gun use
A Des Plaines letter to the editor: When the Constitution was written, the times were much different, resembling the situation in Syria today. But we are way ahead of the Syrian dictatorship and should use our common sense with our gun control. However some of our politicians in Washington, D.C., do not act as concerned grown-ups, and those that are against stricter gun control should have their names published in all major newspapers nationwide come election time.

Obama using financial pain to get his way
A Mount Prospect letter to the editor: We all now know that President Obama wants the sequester cuts to be as painful as possible to the public. What nerve President Obama has shutting down White House tours, and he’s looking for more ways to hurt the public. We know he’s attempting to close air traffic control towers and even wants to close national parks this summer, all while claiming it’s out of his hands.

Kudos to Kirk on same-sex marriage
A Wheaton letter to the editor: Having just read your Page 1 April 3 article with Sen. Mark Kirk’s picture: Kudos to the senator for supporting same-sex marriage. Way to go.

An ex-Cubs
fan’s lament
A West Dundee letter to the editor: For decades the product the Chicago Cubs have been putting on the field has been terrible and will probably be terrible again this year. Despite this, there are near sellouts for most games, especially early in the season.

Link’s obsession with gambling
A Villa Park letter to the editor: Voters in Waukegan need to wake up and vote state Sen. Terry Link out of office. It seems all Link knows how to do is push for the expansion of gambling in Illinois.

Thanks for effort on Jefferson school vote
A Wheaton letter to the editor: On behalf of the Friends of the School — Say Yes Jefferson Early Childhood Center Referendum, we wanted to extend our thanks and best wishes to everyone in Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200.

Time for new ideas on pension mess
A Sugar Grove letter to the editor: Governor Pat Quinn and his legislative leaders have finally recognized the problems caused by years of offering too many pension sweeteners without meeting state funding obligations. It is unfortunate that their rhetoric has — so far — not been accompanied by action. Quinn has neither produced his own plan nor rounded up votes for other plans and, quite frankly, I’m getting fed up.